FHASHEE-UEW Assesses the Impact of New SHS Curriculum on Academic Programmes
The Faculty of Health, Allied Sciences and Home Economics Education (FHASHEE) at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), on Friday, 5th July 2024, held a seminar to assess the impact of the new Senior High School (SHS) curriculum on its academic programmes.
The event took place at the North Campus Mini-Conference Room and brought together lecturers, researchers, and industry experts to explore the curriculum change and its implications for physical education, home economics, health, and allied sciences programmes.
Prof. Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, Dean of FHASHEE, emphasised that faculty members must adapt their programmes to align with the new SHS curriculum, which focuses on 21st-century skills, practical learning, and project-based assessments.
“As we speak, our departmental programmes urgently need modification to align with the new SHS curriculum. We must also ensure our programmes meet global standards. In today's world, education is no longer about simply delivering knowledge or pumping information into students' brains. Instead, we must create a conducive environment where students can interact, explore, and construct their learning experiences, ultimately becoming capable and valuable adults,” he remarked.
Prof. Sarpong expressed optimism that the new SHS curriculum is a progressive step forward, promising to enrich the academic journey of university students and better prepare them for their future careers.
He stressed that its success depends on the collective efforts of educators, administrators, policymakers, and community members. “Let us embrace this change with a commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity, ensuring that we provide our students with the best possible foundation for their future endeavours. Together, we can make a significant impact on the future of education in our respective fields,” he asserted.
Prof. Eric Daniel Ananga, a member of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) Board, provided a comprehensive rundown of the curriculum restructuring and its implications for university programmes.
Dr. Munkaila Seibu, Deputy Director of the Institute for Teacher Education and Continuing Professional Development (ITECPD), UEW, guided participants through the old and new lesson planners concerning health and allied sciences.
Dr. Elizabeth Lani Ashong, a senior lecturer at FHASHEE, spoke extensively on how to populate the old and new lesson planners about home economics.
Dr. Patricia Ananga, Head of the UEW Accreditation Unit, gave an insightful presentation on how departments can restructure their academic programmes to meet the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission’s specifications for accreditation.
Participants engaged in discussions on how the changes would affect course content, teaching methods, and assessment strategies in their respective departments.
The seminar concluded with a call to action for UEW to reform its programmes to meet the needs of the new SHS curriculum. This reform is essential to ensure a seamless transition for students and produce graduates with the skills and competencies required in the 21st century. UEW's commitment to adapting its programmes demonstrates its dedication to providing quality education and preparing students for success in an ever-changing world. By restructuring its programmes, UEW aims to produce graduates who excel in their respective fields and contribute meaningfully to Ghana's development.
